Detailed Syllabus The Written Examination Will Consist of The Following Papers

Detailed Syllabus the Written Examination Will Consist of the
Following Papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper‐ A (One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate
from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the
Constitution). 300 Marks
Paper‐ B English 300 Marks Papers to be counted for merit
Paper-I Essay 250 Marks
Paper-II General Studies–I- 250Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture,
History and Geography of the World and Society)
Paper-III General Studies –II- 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution,
Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
Paper-IV General Studies –III- 250 Marks (Technology, Economic
Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster
Management)
Paper-V General Studies –IV 250 Marks (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
How to Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains
Paper-II (GS-1)
STRATEGY
GS-1 broadly covers – Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society.
Under this heading total 12 topics and around 40 sub-topics are given in the syllabus.
Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

sub-topics by writing them many times – they should be
Get familiar with all the topics and
strongly etched in your memory.
 
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.
Now, how to deal with GS-1?
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic
what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.
TOPIC-1
Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
In this topic, the sub-topics are – Art forms, Literature, Architecture– from ancient to modern
times. Before jumping into Big Books, first go through these beautiful books by NCERT – to
get a glimpse of the sub-topics – they are
1. NCERT Class VI – History – Our Past
2. NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I
3. NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III
4. NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History I
5. NCERT Class-XII – Themes in Indian History – II (chapter 1&2)
6. NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History III
Apart from these you should have a reference book for getting more information:
1. Facets of Indian Culture or
2. Indian Art and Culture
TOPIC-2
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present–
significant events, personalities, issues

Read this book: Comprehensive History Of Modern India – Spectrum (It covers topics from the
Advent of British to India‟s Independence – so covers this part of the syllabus completely.
It is bulky and factual, so it is recommended for beginners both for Prelims and Mains
along with Bipan Chandra‟s book, but not for aspirants writing Mains this year who are
running short of time.
TOPIC-3
[The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.]
Because this topic demands specific knowledge of Freedom Struggle and its various facets,
you must, along with the above mentioned book, read Bipan Chandra‟s Struggle For India‟s
Independence.
TOPIC – 4
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
For this you need to study Chapter 6 to 12 of India Since Independence – Bipan Chandra
0r Chapters 8 to 14 from India after Gandhi: the History of the World‟s Largest
Democracy (above mentioned chapters cover completely this part of the syllabus)
TOPIC-5
[History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars,redrawal of national boundaries,colonization,decolonization, political philosophies
like communism, capitalism,socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.]
Except for Industrial revolution, Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe Above
book is not available anywhere these days. Best alternative is a book by Arjun Dev – History
of the World from the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First Century
If both books are not available, then read this book – Old NCERT World History Class-X
TOPIC-6
[Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.]
About salient features of Indian Society – don‟t look anywhere else – Just read this NCERT
– Indian Society Class 12 (Complete book without

watermarks) Two indispensable books to cover this topic:
 
 Indian Society – Ram Ahuja
 
Social Problems in India – Ram Ahuja
TOPIC-7
[Role of women and women‟s organization, population and associated issues,poverty

and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.]

For India specific women related issues download this beautiful report (PLATFORM FOR
ACTION-REPORT ON INDIAN WOMEN) where you can find everything you want to learn

about Women‟s issues.
Other sub-topics are general in nature and can be found in Magazines and Newspapers. If
one is thorough with current events questions on these sub-topics can be answered very
well by consolidating their knowledge.
TOPIC-8
[Effects of Globalization on Indian society]
This is also general in nature. If you have a basic understanding of Indian Society and
Globalization, their mutual relation can be elucidated with ease. Here is a good article from a
Marxist politician about the topic. (UPSC people love the slightly leftist version of
everything)
To know more about effect of Globalization on Indian Society, you need to know better
about Indian Society. This book is a must have for broad understanding of the Indian Society.
 
 Indian Society – Ram Ahuja
 
Social Problems in India – Ram Ahuja
TOPIC-9
[Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.]
This is again generic. But you must know the basic concept of communalism, regionalism
and secularism. Wikipedia comes handy here.
TOPIC-10
[Salient features of world‟s physical geography.

To cover this part two books are necessary:
1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition
2. NCERT Class-XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography

TOPIC-11
[Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India)]
1) NCERT Class XII – Human Geography
2) NCERT Class-XII – India-People and Economy
3) For reference:Geography of India 4 Edition
TOPIC-12
[Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic
activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such
changes.]
This is a repetition actually. You can read Physical Geography book by Goh Cheng Leong
which is mentioned above (Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition)
This topic on critical changes in geographical features is broadly related to climate change and
other anthropogenic factors(such as depletion of resources, dumping of wastes etc).
Geographical features like rainforests, ice caps, rivers, corals, cyclones all get affected by
climate change. Anthropogenic factors are involved in increasing desertification, vanishing
forests, biodiversity, pollution of rivers and lakes, etc.
Your focus should be on such changes. Question may be on how monsoon is affected by
global climate change? or how a cyclone is affected by global warming? What effect has the
melting ice cap on the biodiversity in the polar regions? etc
Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the
things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single 
 topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.

Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
 temptation of doing „Research‟ on a topic.
 
 Always Remember – UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.

Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH
 and
 scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.

Remember that old saying? – Jack of all trades, master of NONE.  If you try to do Research, most
probably your name won‟t appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.

For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being  thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you
to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation

 
 Writing. Writing. Writing.

But what? – One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test. 
Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation

 
 Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
 
 You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.

If you don‟t Revise what you read all these months
 – you slightly miss the Personality Test, or
You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same
source, Write and Revise.

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-III (GS-2)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the
syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and
Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -2 (i.e Paper-III)
Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by
the Almighty UPSC:
“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on
conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You don‟t have to master the
topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.
Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have
understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.
Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

 sub-topics by writing them many times – they should be
Get familiar with all the topics and
 strongly etched in your memory.
 
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic what
to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.
Syllabus Of GS-2 is:

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Before you start preparing for this paper, please read following NCERT texts, which might
take 2-3 days of your time.
1. NCERT Class XI – India Constitution At Work
2. NCERT Class XII – Political Science II
3. NCERT Class X – Democratic Politics

TOPIC-1
Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure.
This part is very useful both for Prelims and Mains. Best book to study this section is D.D.
Basu‟s “Introduction To The Constitution Of India” First 5 chapters in this book exclusively deal
with this part of the syllabus.
For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.
1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited
2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)
TOPIC-2
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to
the federal structure,devolution of powers and finances up to local levels andchallenges therein.
One good source to get the critical perspective about these topics is –Report of the 2nd
Administrative Reforms Commission, named –Organizational Structure Of Government of
India (13th Report)
For the concept part read – Laxmikant‟s Indian Polity. (Chapters 12, 13 14 and 30).
But Mains demands not only basic understanding of these topics, but your critical and
analytic abilities to answer questions on these topics. So, try to relate these concepts to
current event topics and write small articles. ARC reports will help you in this regard.
Eg. ” Though devolution of funds, functionaries and functions is taking place in the local
governments, development is still a mirage in many parts of India”. Critically analyze. (you
can frame many questions like this)
TOPIC-3
Separation of powers between various organs,dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism
This topic is a dynamic portion – we read lot about conflict between the Judiciary and the
Executive – to answer dynamic topics, one should first understand the constitutional
provisions, redressal measures with the constitution, checks and balances provided in the
constitution etc.
ARC reports come to the rescue again. 7th report of 2nd ARC named“Capacity Building for
Conflict Resolution” talks elaborately on various issues such as Left Wing Extremism,
Regional Disparities, Land and Water related issues, SC and ST issues, Religious conflicts
and North East conflicts – which involve numerous institutions in the conflict management
and resolution.
Later, scan current events and find any latest instances of conflict between any
constitutional bodies, or between a constitutional body and statutory body.
Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikant..
TOPIC-4
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
A book by S. Chand – Select Constitutions of the world is famous among Law students. This
covers this topic comprehensively. One should be careful to not to study this topic in depth.
In case you can afford to buy costly book – D.D. Basu‟s Classic on the Indian Constitution –
Shorter Constitution Of India not only covers all above topics, it also covers the present
topic. Few links that might help:
 
 Constitutions around the world

Evolution of Indian Constitution (It is compared with other constitutions – you have to search in
 between)
 
Difference between US and EU constitutions.
Try to know some basics about the New Constitutions/reforms being framed/brought out in
Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan.
(Again, emphasis should be on relating all these topics to the current events)
TOPIC-5
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers

& privileges and issues arising out of these.
To cover this topic, one stop source is Subhash Kashyp‟s Our Parliament. (Why this
book? Because it is written by someone who worked inside the Parliament for most of his
career, and this book gives a detailed idea about the functioning of our Parliament – as
the above topic suggests, you should be familiar with all aspects of our Parliament.
TOPIC-6
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and
Departments of the Government; Pressure and formal/informal associations and their role in the
Polity.
BASICS:
 
 Union Executive
 
 Parliament of India
 
 Supreme Court of India
 
 Executive in the States
 
 State Legislature
 
 High Courts and Subordinate Courts
 
 Local Government:Urban and Rural
 
Pressure Groups
Again, Laxmikant is enough for this topic. Regarding pressure groups/ informal associations
– recent activism shown by Civil society, conflict with the government and other such topics
should be studied in depth.
TOPIC-7
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)
This topic has generated more heat in the past and present – eg, office of profit bill, anti-
defection bill, electoral reforms bill etc.

This topic should be
Recent supreme court ruling disqualifying MPs and MLAs with criminal background, and
current topics like this should be studied carefully.
TOPIC-8 and 9
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities

of various Constitutional Bodies.
. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Read Laxmikant for this part. Part VII,VIII and IX of this book completely covers
these topics.
This part of the syllabus has given rise to some contentious issues such as political
interference in the appointment to various constitutional posts and statutory bodies. Eg
EC, CBI, CVC, CAG, SC, Governors, Lokayukta, Lokpal (if it comes into existence) etc. So,
read this topic keeping in mind these above issues.
As I said before, you need to read all the above topics with an analytical perspective. To
provide you with this, there is a wonderful book published by Oxford University Press
and authored by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, named – “Public Institutions in India – Performance
and Design“, will be immensely useful.
As its back cover says, “This volume analytically assesses the design, performance, and adaptability of
the principal institutions of governance in India and their critical role in a democratic
polity.” That is what you need for this paper.
TOPIC-10
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
of their design and implementation.
This part is covered well in the same book I mentioned above: “Public Institutions in India –
Performance and Design”

Also, refer Economic Survey for government policies and PIB siteregularly.
TOPIC-11
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
[Please note the phrase “Development Industry” – it refers to aid industry developed around
NGOs, UN bodies, Charities etc and their role in the development process.]
Planning commission has various articles on these topics.

This report gives critical account of success and failure of SHG‟s in India. (just read the
summary, conclusion and recommendations )
Article on NGO – their evolution and role.
TOPIC-12
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and
the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for
the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Note the word “STATE” – schemes by the states are also important.
 
Focus on the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child welfare, Ministry
of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Tribal

affairs. List Of Government Schemes – India – Wikipedia link.
List of All state and central scheme – Govt. of India Website (here you can filter queries by
the ministry- it is not easy though, govt site you know..)
One more option is visit this link on my site to go to the site of any Ministry and find schemes
there.
TOPICS 12 and 13
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating

to Health, Education, Human Resources.
. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

We read lot about this these days: Food security bill, PDS reform, Poverty reduction
schemes, Poverty-line controversy, Malnutrition figures, report on malnutrition(remember
HungMa report?) etc.
TOPIC-13
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-

applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
& accountability and institutional and other measures
This introductory article on 2nd ARC site and 2nd ARC report on “Promoting e-Governance:
The SMART Way Forward” will be very useful to cover this topic.
E-governance – Concept and Significance (IGNOU)

TOPIC-14
Role of civil services in a democracy
Again, 2nd ARC report (10th report) – Refurbishing of Personnel Administration has whole
chapter (ch-4) on this topic.
International Relations
TOPIC-15
India and its neighborhood- relations.
Two sources for this topic:
1. India and its neighbours – MEA Website
 
India – Afghanistan
India – Pakistan
 
India – Nepal
India – Bhutan
 
India – Bangladesh
India – Sri lanka
 
India – Maldives
India – China

India – Myanmar
2. For critical analysis – This Book by Dr.Arunoday Bajpayee-India And The World & Rajiv
Sikri – Challenge and Strategy – Rethinking India‟s Foreign Policy is must for reading this part of
the syllabus.
TOPIC – 16
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests
For India‟s relations with the other countries, click here. (read only important counries –
USA, UK, EU, SA, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Australia etc)
Ministry of External Affairs has briefs on all bilateral relations of India with regional
and global groupings:
 
 Andean Community (CAN)
 
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
 
 BRICS
 
 Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)
 
 Central American Integration System (SICA)
 
 Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
 
 Commonwealth

Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) August 2012 eraction and
 Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
 
 East African Community
 
 East Asia Summit
 
 G-20
 
 Gulf Cooperation Council
 
 India-African Union Relations
 
 India-ASEAN Relations
 
 India-EU Relations
 
 Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC)
 
 India-United Nations Relations,
 
 Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
 
 Pan African e-Network Project
 
Southern African Development Community Cooperation
TOPIC-18
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,
Indian diaspora
This is a dynamic part – effects of globalization, WTO policies, domestic policies of
developed countries and their effect on other countries (lot of examples from USA, UK
can be given – visa row, war on terrorism, immigration policies, economic policies etc)
Indian diaspora – their contribution to India, India‟s contribution to them, Their contribution
to the world etc. Their problems in the residing countries, their rights in India
– constitutional/statutory provisions if any, their participation in track two diplomacy, their

role in Indian economy etc etc.
Newspaper is the best source I guess. For more info, visit the official site.
TOPIC- 19
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
UNO and its various bodies, agencies must be studied with respect to their structure, role,
relevance and reforms. UN reforms is the hot topic.
International Organizations (no UN bodies) such as APEC, ADB, ASEAN, OECD,

NATO should be studied.
For links to all these organizations: click here.
Five Indispensable Books For paper-III
1. D.D.Basu – Introduction to the Constitution of India 20 Edition
2. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition – Laxmikanth
3. Select Constitutions: 16th Edition – S Chand
4. Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri
5. Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design – Pratap Bhanu Mehta
TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS (Only If You Have More Time At Your Disposal) – Both
By Granville Austin – Classics On Indian Polity
1) The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of A Nation (Classic Reissue) –
2) Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience –
A SMALL LECTURE


Stick to a single source and read it again and
again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
temptation of doing „Research‟ on a topic.
 

 and
scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.

 probably your name won‟t appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.


 


 
 

Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused and
determined.
How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper IV (GS-3)
GS-3 broadly covers –

 
 Technology,
 
 Economic Development,
 
 Bio diversity,
 
 Environment,
 
 Security and
 
Disaster Management.
(You can observe that it resembles GS-2 of old patterns statistics and
international relations) Two important things fundamental to your exam

preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times – they

should be strongly etched in your memory.
 
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-3, we will discuss a topic by
topic what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.
TOPIC-1
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

growth, development and employment.
This is a very broad area and includes both static and dynamic part. Before
going for big books, it is compulsory to read following NCERT textbooks
(download full textbooks -PDF without watermark)
1. NCERT Class X – Understaning Economic Development
2. NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development
3. NCERT Class XII – Macroeconomics (chapters 2,5 and 6 are very important)
Three books above will make your concepts very clear. After understanding
your concepts, you have to read the above topics by relating them to the
current events. For this reading one Business newspaper helps a lot. Business
standard is the best (if you are comfortable with ET, it is fine. But do try BS
once)
More questions from Economics can be expected in this paper henceforth. To

be ready for any questions that UPSC might ask, it is good to read a standard
book on these topics.

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations – Ramesh Singh
TOPIC-2
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
We had 11th Five year plan which exhorted the „Inclusive Growth‟ mantra and
then 12th Fiver year document, going a step further aiming for a „Faster, More
Inclusive and Sustainable Growth‟.
These two documents are good to understand issues related to inclusive

growth, approach of the government and achievements in the 11th plan period.
However, to get conceptual clarity, reading one or two articles from the
following document would help you immensely.

Conceptualizing Inclusive Growth
For a thorough review of Inclusive Growth strategy in India read this article:

Inclusive Growth in India – Past Performance and Future Prospects
TOPIC – 3
Government Budgeting
It is nothing but knowing about what is a budget and how it is passed in

the parliament and then how it is implemented.
These documents should help you understand these:
 
 First Basics –GOVERNMENT BUDGETING
 
 NCERT Class XII – Macroeconomics (Chapter 5)
 
The Budgetary Process
TOPIC-4
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of
irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural
produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Understanding concepts is important here too. NCERT comes to the aid here;

NCERT – Resources and Development (a quick reading of this book will also

help in understanding many other topics in this paper)
For cropping pattern read this, only this document:

Cropping Pattern in India (give stress to understanding the concept in it, no need

to read entire paper)
For irrigation methods, irrigation systems and Irrigation in India,
 
 Irrigation Methods
 
 Types of Dams (storage structures)
 
Irrigation types (Government Source)
For agriculture marketing, storage and reforms in these areas, one should
resort to „State of India Agriculture report‟ and Economic Survey.

Agriculture Marketing Reforms
 
 Agricultural Prices and Markets – State of India Agriculture Report
E-technology for the aid of Farmers


 
E-technology in the aid of farmers
TOPIC – 5
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;
Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of
buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing
This is the most important topic in this paper – all sub-topics are dynamic in
nature and 1-2 questions will be directly asked from these. This topic
encompasses the broad area of Food Security, which is a hot topic these days.
Apart of getting conceptual clarity on these topics, aspirants also have to

develop critical perspective on these sub-topics. I will provide links to
important articles that have come in The Hindu, Business Standard and
Business Line.
First, Minimum Support Price and Farm Subsidies:
 
 Agriculture – Price Policy and MSP
News Articles (to develop opinion)


 
 Farms need a free market -BusinessLine
 
 How to fix agricultural pricing mess – Business Standard
 
India‟s food conundrum – The Hindu
Regarding Public Distribution System, it is a vast area, so careful study of less

materials is needed.
 
 Public Distribution System – IGNOU Notes – 1
 
 Public Distribution System and Food Security – IGNOU Notes – 2
News Articles;
 
 Food Security Bill – The devil is in the detail – The Hindu
 
The shaky geopolitics of India‟s food security – The Hindu
For basics of Food Security – NCERT source – Class IX Economics
Now, technology missions! Government of India is fond of launching these

technology missions for various crops to boost their production, area coverage
and make their production profitable. This is a boring topic and I don‟t think
UPSC will ask any question on this (it is completely factual)
I will provide links to few such Technology Missions;
 
 Technology Mission on Cotton
 
 Technology Mission on Jute
 
 Technology Mission on Horticulture
 
 Technology Mission on Sugar
 
New Missions under 12th plan
(You need to know only what these missions were meant for and what‟s their
progress so far)
Economics of Animal Breeding! – This has come from nowhere. Study it here
You can have a look at this report of Planning Commission (only 3 pages)

Role of livestock in Indian Economy
TOPIC – 6
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Food processing is a sunrise industry and lately there has been a lot of thrust
from the government on this industry.
 
 PIB article on this industry
 
Food processing ministry – schemes
 
 In the 12th Plan
Articles:

 
 Economic Times
 
 The Hindu Businessline – Untapped Potential
 
 The Hindu Businessline – Key Challenges
TOPIC – 7
Land reforms in India
This is a hot favourite topic for UPSC and luckily you get plenty of material to
read on this topic. That is the problem. In this exam, sticking to one source is
the secret of success (of course, not for all topics)
For this topic read from following two sources (IGNOU):
 
 Land reforms – 1
 
 Land Reforms – 2
TOPIC – 8

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects
on industrial growth
You can read these topics from the above mentioned book by Ramesh Singh.
It is explained very well.

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations – Ramesh Singh(Chapters 6 and

10, 4th edition – the above link is for latest 5th edition)
TOPIC-9
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
Just two sources; one, India 2013 and Economic Survey
 India 2015 (chapters on Energy and Transport)


 Economic Survey – Chapter 11 – Energy, Infrastructure and Communications


 
Latest Energy stats – Very Good Report
TOPIC – 10
Investment models
This is a puzzling topic. Because it is given along with Infrastructure related

topics, I assume it to be related to investment models applied to the same
field. If not, one can enumerate so many investment models just for financial
sector alone!
For example, within PPP model, there are various modalities are involved
(see below)
Table 1: Schemes and Modalities of PPP
Schemes Modalities
Build-own-operate (BOO) The private sector designs, builds, owns, develops,
Build-develop-operate (BDO) operates and manages an asset with no obligation to
Design-construct-manage-finance transfer ownership to the government. These are variants
(DCMF) of design-build-finance-operate (DBFO) schemes.
The private sector buys or leases an existing asset from

Buy-build-operate (BBO)
the Government, renovates, modernises, and/ or expands
Lease-develop-operate (LDO)
it, and then operates the asset, again with no obligation to
Wrap-around addition (WAA)
transfer ownership back to the Government.
Build-operate-transfer (BOT) The private sector designs and builds an asset, operates
Build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) it, and then transfers it to the Government when the
Build-rent-own-transfer (BROT) operating contract ends, or at some other pre-specified
Build-lease-operate-transfer (BLOT) time. The private partner may subsequently rent or lease
Build-transfer-operate (BTO) the asset from the Government.
Source: Public Private Partnership, Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF.

These two sources might help:
 
 Infrastructure Investments – Planning Commission
 
Public-Private Partnership in Indian Infrastructure Development: Issues and Options – RBI
SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY
TOPIC -11
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and

developing new technology.
. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology

and issues relating to intellectual property rights
There are many sources for these topics:
First, for non – science grads, a reading of NCERT Class VI to X Science Texts is advised.
This will clear many concepts for you and will enable you to understand other topics in the
syllabus.
Second, earlier, toppers used to recommend a book by Spectrum publications,
 
Developments in Science and Technology
The problem with this book is its vastness – they have simply dumped every topic in detail
like paranoid. For students with science background this book is advised, – you have to
study it selectively. Very selectively. This book has all the topics that are included in the
syllabus and that are not included also.
If one goes through previous question papers, one can observe that UPSC has always asked
questions on S&T from within the syllabus. For example, there will be a question on
biotechnology, space, robotics, nanotechnology and computers – they might be from latest
developments in the respective fields, but all are from the syllabus.
Third source is The Hindu and Frontline. Every Thursday, The Hindu carries a separate
page on S&T – if one is regular with this page and have the collection of cuttings, this will
help in 5 mark and 2 mark questions asked from current event section.
Fourth source is Wikipedia and New Scientist sites. From this site, read
articles on Nanotechnology, Robotics, IPR etc.
Under IPR, you may have to read about Novartis case, so The Hindu article
is here. Also TRIPS is important.
For India‟s achievements in the field of S&T, you must read India 2015 Year Book (chapters
on Defence and Scientific and technological developments)
TOPIC-12
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
BASICS:
 
 Environment and Pollution
 
Atmosphere Oxygen and Pollution (Technical)
This particular topic encompasses topics such as biodiversity and climate change, forest and
wildlife conservation, river conservation, pollution in cities, waste management, pollution
from human activities, marine pollution etc – so it is a vast area.
This has to be read with respect to India and the world.
First choice should be The Hindu Environmental Survey (they may release 2015 survey now).
Sources from the ministry of environment(look at the left side for related links when you land
on the page):
Annual Report of the Environment Ministry 2012-13 (for chapters on conservation, EIA and
forests etc) – Click Here.
Complete info on Conservation. click here.
Complete details on – Environmental Impact Assessment, FAQ‟s on EIA

Current events on EIA – The Hindu article
TOPIC – 13
Disaster and disaster management
This is again a current event and a dynamic portion.
Download special edition of Yojana on Disaster Management.
A report on Disaster Management. (read selectively). You will find everything in it you ever
wanted to know about the topic!
SECURITY ISSUES
TOPIC-14
. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and
its prevention
. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized

crime with terrorism
Internal Security – Internal Security Challenges (visit :idsa)
Cyber Security – National Cyber Security Policy 2013 – assessment
Money Laundering –
 
 Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
 
 What is Money Laundering – Basics
 
FATF on Money Laundering
For a starter, here is a book just released by Oxford University Press, exclusively on
these topics. Titled „India‟s National Security – A Reader„
TOPIC-15
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
This topic is completely factual. You can read it on Wikipedia.

 
 Indian Armed Forces
 
 Indian Paramilitary Services
 
Agencies
A SMALL LECTURE


 

 and



 


 
 


How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper – V
(GS – 4 – Ethics, Aptitude and Integrity)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the
syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and
Optional paper each. Of these, new paper on Ethics Aptitude and Integrity has been a
headache for many aspirants as quality source is elusive even now when the exam is
nearing.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies – 4 (i.e Paper-IV -Ethics
Aptitude and Integrity )
Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by
the Almighty UPSC:
“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on
conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You don‟t have to master the
topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze. Basic
understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have
understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.
This article was tough to write as it‟s new and sources for this article were difficult to find.
Sources for this article are diverse. Books published by Oxford, Cambridge university
presses, Springer, Sage publications have been referred. Britannica encyclopedia and
IGNOU materials were of immense help too.
Many PDFs are of advanced nature. You don‟t have to read all the PDFs in toto. Read first
few paragraphs to understand the essence. Remember the above UPSC

mantra. Question paper will have questions on theory and case studies.
I have given only links to sources. I am no authority to explain the topics.
STRATEGY
Ethics and Human Interface
Let‟s start with basics:

Ethics – A Very Basic
 Introduction – BBC Guide to Ethics
Introduction to Ethics
 
 Essence, determinants and Consequences of Ethics in human actions
What is Ethics? – Cambridge University

 
Dimensions of ethics
Read Chapters One and Two from this book

 
Ethics in private and public relationships.
Ethics in private relationships – Read chapter 3 in the link. It‟s in Google Books and the
chapter has all pages. It is very good with lots of case studies. If any IT guy can extract
pages and covert them to PDF
Ethics in Private Relationship
Ethics in Public Relations

 
Human Values
Human values – IGNOU Material
 
 Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
You can read about them from school books or from website.

 
Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Chapter Ten of this book. Google Books – Value Education.
Attitude

Structure and Function
Source – 1 – Very Basic

Source – 2 – Structure
source – 3 – Functions
Source – 1 – Attitude and Behaviour
Source – 2 – Values, Attitudes and Behaviour –
Source – 3 – Very Advanced

 
 Moral and political attitudes
Source 1 – Political Attitudes

Source – 2 – Moral Attitudes
 
 Social influence and Persuasion
Source -2 – Very Advanced
Related Article
 
Attitude for Good Governance
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
 
Integrity
Critical Look at Integrity
Integrity and Transparency – critical article

 
Impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance
and compassion towards the weaker sections.
These are actually civil service values recommended by the second ARC in its report (10th
Report, Chapter 16)
Emotional intelligence
 
Concept
Source – 1 – Very Basic – Excellent one.
Source – 2 – Conceptual clarity

 
 Their utilities and application in administration and governance
Emotional Intelligence and Public Leadership

Emotional Intelligence in Bureaucracies

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.


 
 Ethics in the history of Indian Philosophy
 
 Ethics in Contemporary Indian Philosophy
 
 Ethics in the history of western philosophy
 
 Ethics in Medieval Western Philosophy
 
Ethics in Greek Philosophy
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:
 
 Status and problems
Public Service Values – Status


Professionalism and Ethics in Public Service – UN Document. Read only Chapter One and
Conclusion. Problems and Issues about Public service values is given in it.
 
Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
Ethical Concerns in Public Administration
Ethical Dilemma
Ethics in Public Administration
Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
 
Accountability and ethical governance
Ethical Governance in twenty first century
Ethics As element of Good Governance
Ethics and Governance – T N Chaturvedi (he was CAG and Governor of Karnataka)
Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
Ethical issues in international relations and funding

Ethics in International Relations – Taken from a reputed book and is a primary source on the
topic.
Ethics in International Relations – This is in relation to corporate responsibility. It covers
some aspects of ethical issues in „funding‟ mentioned in the syllabus.

 
Corporate governance
Corporate Governance – Read it as it contains many new facts and ideas. (not so good,
though)
Corporate Governance – An Ethical Perspective – It is critical article, a research paper.

News Report – Economic Times
PPT Presentation – IIT Bombay

Probity in Governance
This part of the syllabus is completely covered in the following book. It is written by
two retired IAS officers of Gujarat cadre. All the topics of this part of the syllabus and
other topics of importance are covered in this book.
 
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination (Paper – 5)
Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance – Excellent one – It is published by Law Ministry and contains many
concepts.
What is Probity in Governance – Private context

 
Concept of public service
Probity in Governance – it defines what‟s public service.

 
 Philosophical basis of governance and probity
 
 Information sharing and transparency in government – Right to Information
Articles on RTI from The Hindu, EPW will be posted.
The above mentioned book has a chapter on this topic.
 
 Codes of Ethics
Codes of Ethics – OECD Codes

of ethics – World Bank –
 
Codes of Conduct
Refer the above mentioned book.

 
 Citizen’s Charters
Citizen‟s Chartes – FAQs
Citizen Charter Handbook
 
 Work culture
 
 Quality of service delivery
 
Utilization of public funds – Planning Commission – PDF
 
 challenges of corruption
Source – 1

Apart from the above book, the following book might be useful as it is written by a renowned
author Ramesh Arora (his books on Public Administration are well received)

 
Ethics in Governance – Ramesh K Arora
A SMALL LECTURE – again!?!
Note: You can skip this if you are already bored!


 

 and



 

 
 


Detailed Syllabus The Written Examination Will Consist of The Following Papers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Detailed Syllabus The Written Examination Will Consist of The Following Papers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Detailed Syllabus the Written Examination Will Consist of the

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

1. NCERT Class VI – History – Our Past

2. NCERT Class VII – Our Past -I

3. NCERT Class VIII – Our Past II and III

4. NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History I

5. NCERT Class-XII – Themes in Indian History – II (chapter 1&2)

6. NCERT Class XII – Themes In Indian History III

1. Facets of Indian Culture or

2. Indian Art and Culture

significant events, personalities, issues

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

[Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.]

– Indian Society Class 12 (Complete book without

[Role of women and women‟s organization, population and associated issues,poverty

[Effects of Globalization on Indian society]

[Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.]

[Salient features of world‟s physical geography.

1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition

2. NCERT Class-XI – Fundamentals of Physical Geography

1) NCERT Class XII – Human Geography

2) NCERT Class-XII – India-People and Economy

3) For reference:Geography of India 4 Edition

[Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

Very Important Part In The Preparation

Most Important Part In The Preparation

source, Write and Revise.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Now, how to deal with GS-2?

Syllabus Of GS-2 is:

1. NCERT Class XI – India Constitution At Work

2. NCERT Class XII – Political Science II

3. NCERT Class X – Democratic Politics

Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

with this part of the syllabus.

For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.

1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited

2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)

Administrative Reforms Commission, named –Organizational Structure Of Government of

India (13th Report)

Separation of powers between various organs,dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism

Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikant..

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)

defection bill, electoral reforms bill etc.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities

. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

polity.” That is what you need for this paper.

Performance and Design”

Planning commission has various articles on these topics.

Article on NGO – their evolution and role.

of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Tribal

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating

. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-

E-governance – Concept and Significance (IGNOU)

Role of civil services in a democracy

India and its neighborhood- relations.

Two sources for this topic:

1. India and its neighbours – MEA Website